Blog
Monday Morning Memo — 21 August, 2023
Co-Responsibility: A people united in mission
In his latest Making Connections column, the Most Reverend W. Shawn McKnight, Bishop of Jefferson City, writes on the topic of co-responsibility and the ongoing efforts across the diocese to embrace this concept.
Bishop McKnight writes:
Though we have different roles, responsibilities, gifts and talents, our diversity is a strength for our unity: all of us have a role to play in the mission of the Church, and all of us are called to have a mutual respect for one another.
Our Church calls this co-responsibility.
It’s the idea that as we move forward together, we continue to find inspiration and leadership from our clergy and religious, while acknowledging and respecting the charisms of all the baptized.
Putting this into practice means fostering a culture of stewardship within our diocesan and parish communities in which parishioners freely offer their gifts, talents and abilities, and conversely, Church leadership recognizes and gratefully utilizes the competence and expertise of all the baptized in the life and mission of the Church.
Click here to read the full column. Leer in Español.
Decree of Appointments
The Most Reverend W. Shawn McKnight, Bishop of Jefferson City, hereby makes the following appointments to provide the most effective pastoral care of the Diocese of Jefferson City:
PRIESTS
- REVEREND MONSIGNOR ROBERT A. KURWICKI, from pastor of St. Michael Parish, Russellville to pastor of St. Peter Parish, Jefferson City and continuing as Vicar General and Chaplain to the House of Representatives, State of Missouri, effective 20 September 2023.
- REVEREND MONSIGNOR MARION J. MAKAREWICZ, as sacramental minister for St. Mary Parish, Milan and the Mission of St. Mary, Unionville, continuing as Dean of the North Deanery and as Pastor of Mary Immaculate Parish, Kirksville together with its mission St. Rose of Lima, Novinger, effective immediately.
- VERY REVEREND JASON T. DOKE, STL, to pastor of St. Michael Parish, Russellville and continuing as pastor of St. Martin Parish, St. Martins, and continuing as Dean of the See City Deanery and Chair of the Diocesan Building Commission, effective 20 September 2023.
- REVEREND SIMEON A. ETONU, return from studies at The Catholic University of America in Washington D.C. to Advocate in the Tribunal of the Diocese of Jefferson City and priest-coverage as assigned by the Vicar for Priests, with residence at St. Andrew Parish at Holts Summit, effective 20 September 2023.
- REVEREND WALTER KISPOTTA, from temporary administrator of St. Joseph Parish, Edina and St. Aloysius Parish, Baring to priest-coverage as assigned by the Vicar for Priests, with residence at St. Joseph Parish, Pilot Grove, effective 20 September 2023.
- REVEREND BONIFACE K. NZABONIMPA, from pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Salisbury, St. Boniface Parish, Brunswick, and St. Mary of the Angels Parish, Wien to pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Edina and St. Aloysius Parish, Baring, and as chaplain of Kirksville Newman Center, and to assist Reverend Monsignor Marion Makarewicz with sacramental ministry, effective 20 September 2023.
- REVEREND JEREMY A. SECRIST, from pastor of St. Peter Parish, Jefferson City to pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Salisbury, St. Boniface Parish, Brunswick, and St. Mary of the Angels Parish, Wien and continuing as Bishop’s Delegate for Church Pipe Organs, effective 20 September 2023.
DEACONS
- DEACON BURDETT WILSON, from St. Joseph Parish, Salisbury and St. Mary of the Angels Parish, Wien to St. Peter Parish, Fulton and St. Jude Thaddeus Parish, Mokane, effective immediately.
Given at the Chancery in Jefferson City this 18th day of August in the Year of our Lord 2023.
The decree is also posted to the diocesan website at this link.
Litz Main to serve as Executive Director of Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri
The Board of Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri has selected an experienced charities professional to serve as the agency’s next Executive Director. Litz Main will begin her work on Monday, September 18.
Litz Main (pronounced LEE-tz MAY-n) comes to Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri from her current position at Catholic Charities Southwestern Ohio, where she is the Director of Language Services.
Main is bilingual in English and Spanish and looks forward to incorporating her life experiences with her work in the Diocese of Jefferson City. Her innovative approach and strong background in business administration has helped expand the charitable outreach and language services of her current agency. In accepting this position, she will relocate to central Missouri and is excited to bring her gifts and talents to this community. She said her dedication to charity and mercy is motivated by her Catholic faith.
“My Catholic background and relationship with God have always been at the center of what I do. It is inspiring to see how Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri serves as a beacon of hope in this community, delivering services with compassion and reflecting the love of Jesus,” said Main. “I am excited to lead Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri. I look forward to using my experience to help strengthen the work of this very important agency.”
Diocese sends support for Maui
On behalf of our Catholic faithful, the Most Reverend W. Shawn McKnight, Bishop of Jefferson City, is directing the diocese to send $10,000 in financial assistance to the Diocese of Honolulu as it seeks to aid in the recovery following the tragic fire on the island of Maui.
“In this time of unimaginable loss, our hearts go out to the people of Maui and all others who are suffering from this tragedy. As we pray and ask God for his mercy, the people of the Diocese of Jefferson City also send this financial assistance to our brothers and sisters in the Diocese of Honolulu as a sign of our support and solidarity during this time,” said Bishop McKnight.
This gift is made possible by the Catholic stewardship practiced by the faithful of our diocese and their collective sharing of God’s gifts with the individual parishes across our diocese.
Anyone wishing to make an additional donation is encouraged to do so. The Most Reverend Larry Silva, Bishop of Honolulu, has asked for gifts to be made to the Hawaii Catholic Community Foundation which will support relief efforts for community members affected by the Maui wildfires. Gifts can be made at this link: https://tinyurl.com/MauiCatholic
Bishop Emeritus Gaydos celebrates Jubilee Mass at cathedral
Bishop Emeritus John R. Gaydos, who led the Jefferson City diocese from 1997-2018, offered Mass on Aug. 16 with fellow bishops, priests and faithful in the Cathedral of St. Joseph, in thanksgiving for four important milestones.
These include: his 80th birthday on Aug. 14; the 55th anniversary of his ordination to the diaconate in May 1968; the 55th anniversary of his priestly ordination in December 1968; and the 25th anniversary a year ago of his ordination and installation as the third bishop of Jefferson City.
“How fitting it is that we join in these anniversary moments, sharing the Eucharist in thanksgiving for the abundance of God’s grace at the heart of this holy journey of faith!” said Bishop Gaydos, whose surname means “shepherd” in Slovak, the language of his ancestors.
Mass attendance counts continue
Mass attendance counts are continuing in the Diocese of Jefferson City for at least the next 1 to 2 years. The decision was made by the Presbyteral Council during their June 6 meeting. The counting had been set to end on July 31. However, the counts were deemed useful to the Pastoral Planning process and it was decided that parishes should continue to collect these statistics.
All parishes should continue counting and reporting their Mass attendance.
The rules for reporting will remain the same. Parishes are encouraged to continue using the online form to report their counts: https://diojeffcity.org/mass-attendance/
Diocesan Finance Council updates statutes
Bishop McKnight has recently approved updated Statutes for the Diocesan Finance Council. Click here to read the updated statutes.
Save the Date: Parish Secretaries’ Workshop
The next Parish Secretaries’ Workshop will be held via Zoom on Wed., September 20, 2023, beginning at 10 a.m. and concluding no later than noon. The Zoom link will be posted closer to the date; in the meantime, mark this training opportunity on your calendar and send us topics or questions that you would like us to cover! Please send topics or questions to Bernadette Adams at badams@diojeffcity.org.
It’s time to schedule Confirmation dates
It is time to schedule Confirmation dates for Fall of 2023 through Fall of 2024. To complete the form for scheduling, please go to diojeffcity.org/confirmation. This should be completed by August 31, 2023. The confirmation page includes a memo with instructions for the form and an updated guide for the confirmation ceremony.
Share in bulletins, emails, social media, and websites
Adoration with the Blessed Sacrament Thursday August 24th 7-8 p.m. in the Cathedral of St. Joseph. All are welcome to come and give praise to Our Lord in Adoration.
Women in our See City parishes are invited to a presentation and listening session hosted at parishes throughout our deanery by our parish core team members. We hope all women will attend one of the sessions and learn about what is being planned to help grow and support women in our diocese and also share with us how we can better serve your needs!
A Walk Through the Mass
The Cathedral of St. Joseph will be hosting “A Walk Through The Mass” with Fr. Paul Clark on Wednesday September 6 at 5:30 p.m. in the Cathedral with dinner in Cana Hall. Please consider attending this presentation to get a clearer view of what happens at the highest form of Prayer with Our Lord: The Eucharist. Details to follow. All are welcome. For more information, contact: Julie.g@cathedraljc.org
Catholic Charities PEACE events
“Love faces a vast field of work and the Church is eager to make her contribution with her social doctrine, which concerns the whole person and is addressed to all people.”
– Compendium of Social Doctrine of the Church
Join Catholic Charities for an afternoon of faith formation, fellowship, and information on how Catholic Charities can help equip you and your parish to meet the needs of others through works of charity and mercy. With six event options spanning the diocese and host parishes in each deanery, we look forward to collecting together in an atmosphere of prayer to explore how Catholic Charities can best equip individuals, families, and parishes to carry out works of charity for their local communities.
What to expect:
Dynamic speakers, informative presentations, afternoon snacks, and an opportunity to connect with others in your community and across your deanery who are involved in stewardship, social ministries, and more. We hope you’ll join!
RSVP for the event most convenient for you at: cccnmo.diojeffcity.org/peace
Upcoming trainings for PSR Teachers, DREs and Youth Ministers
PSR Teacher Workshop will be September 9 from 9 a.m. – noon at the Chancery. We will spend time on the following: Vocation of a Catechist; Ways to incorporate Truth, Beauty and Goodness in the classroom; Helping Young People Fall in Love with the Eucharist. To register click here. If your parish is interested in hosting please contact us at mmertes@diojeffcity.org or maureenquinn@diojeffcity.org. These can be personalized to your community.
DRE & YM Workshops will be held Tuesday, September 12, 2023, from 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Chancery. Topics include: Gradually Understanding the Eucharist, Ways to incorporate the Liturgical Calendar in our ministry, Domestic Church and the Eucharist, Time to Share, Office Updates and More. To register click here.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Montessori style religious education program. That means we have beautiful materials kids and adults can touch, move and manipulate to learn and wonder about God through scripture and the sacraments.
Join us Saturday, October 28 from 9am to 4:30pm at Newman Parish in Columbia for a workshop on CGS and the Eucharist and discover what CGS can bring to you and your community. Click here to Register.
Attention all engaged couples, MPFs and pastors:
2023 Pre-Cana Conference dates & locations:
- September 23rd @ Chancery: 2207 W Main St, Jefferson City, MO 65109
2023 Engaged Encounter dates & location are to be determined.
Sept. 24: Celebrating Fr. Dan Merz
You are warmly invited to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Fr. Dan Merz’s ordination to the priesthood. A celebration is planned for Sept. 24 at Newman Parish in Columbia. If you are able to come, please click here to RSVP for planning purposes. Would love to pray together and enjoy a meal.
Women’s Ministry fall events
All women of our diocese are invited to attend our diocesan wide fall events. There are two opportunities to gather. Come to one/come to both! Join us for a Ladies Night out Friday evening or our all day retreat on Saturday. Both feature author and syndicated talk show host, Teresa Tomeo. We hope to see you there!
Eventos en Español.
Curso Introductorio de PFN: Sagrado Corazón, Columbia (16 de septiembre, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.)
Las parejas aprenderán sobre cómo concebir o posponer embarazos de una manera natural, sin los dañinos efectos de todos los métodos artificiales anticonceptivos. Es un curso gratuito, ideal para todas las parejas en preparación matrimonial, casadas o que están viviendo juntos.
Para información y registrarse contacte a Enrique o Cristhia Castro al 573-680-3650 / 501-454-8308 o por correo electrónico a ecastro@diojeffcity.org / cmguzman10@gmail.com.
Retiro Parroquial de ‘Buena Administración’: Sacred Heart | Sagrado Corazón, Columbia (26 de agosto, 9am-3pm)
Retiro Parroquial de ‘Buena Administración’: St. Patrick | San Patricio, Sedalia (17 de septiembre, 9am-5pm)
El objetivo de estos retiros es ayudar a toda la comunidad parroquial aprender y reflexionar sobre la ‘Buena Administración’, la cual es nuestra respuesta agradecida como discípulos cristianos a compartir todo lo que Dios nos ha dado para compartirlo con los demás.
Para más información contacte al Diácono Enrique Castro al (573) 680-3650 en su celular o en WhatsApp o por correo electrónico a ecastro@diojeffcity.org
Formación de Ministerios de Música – Parte I: Saint Peter | San Pedro, Marshall (23 de septiembre, 9am-12pm)
Todos los músicos litúrgicos, coros, ministerios de música y ministerios de alabanza están invitados a esta formación. Es una oportunidad formarse y obtener conocimiento y herramientas prácticas para poder brindar un mejor servicio a través de ese gran regalo de Dios, la música.
Para más información contacte a Liliana Ruano al (660) 202-0317 o por correo electrónico a nellymruanorn6@gmail.com.
Picnic de Colores: Saint Patrick | San Patricio, Sedalia (24 de septiembre, 1pm-3pm)
La finalidad del “Picnic de Colores” es reunir a todos los cursillistas y familias en general para convivir en un ambiente fraterno y de alegría. Por medio de juegos, actividades de diversión y comida se disfruta de la compañía de todos y de la naturaleza que Dios ha creado.
Para más información contacte a Maria Gomez al (660) 620-3405 o Raul Lopez al (660) 287-8920.
Congreso Diocesano: Multipurpose Building-Saline County Fairgrounds, Marshall (7 de octubre, 8:30am-6pm, y 8 de octubre, 8:30am-4pm)
El Congreso Diocesano es un evento organizado por el Comité Diocesano de la Renovación Carismática Católica. Es un evento de gracia y bendición para toda la comunidad y las familias Hispanas de la diócesis. Por medio de la alabanza, oración, enseñanza y fraternidad que se vive durante todo el evento, se fortalecen y sanan las familias, los servidores y las comunidades. Este es un evento único y especial que nadie puede perderse.
Para más información contacte Ilsi Palacios al (316) 530-1004 o por correo electrónico a ComiteDiocesanoRCCH@gmail.com.
PEREGRINACIÓN A ROMA Y TIERRA SANTA del 20 de noviembre al 1 de diciembre del 2023 – Diócesis de Jefferson City (Pilgrimage in Spanish)
¡Acompañe al Padre Cesar Anicama en una gran peregrinación a Roma y Tierra Santa! Volaremos a Roma para visitar sus basílicas, y lugares culturales, audiencia con el Papa, Asís y más. Después volaremos a Tierra Santa donde caminaremos por los lugares santos donde Jesús vivió, incluyendo Tiberíades, Belén, Jerusalén, Galilea y más.
Para hacer una reservación, póngase en contacto con Canterbury Pilgrimages & Tours HOY al: 1-800-653-0017. También por WhatsApp/textos/llamadas al (347) 463-3998.
Contacto local: Diacono Enrique Castro (573) 680-3650.
Employment opportunities
The Chancery Office of the Diocese of Jefferson City is seeking a full-time (30-40 hours/week) custodian/maintenance professional to personally clean and coordinate maintenance services. Daily shifts to start in the early afternoon.
General duties include:
- Emptying trash and cleaning of all offices, restrooms, and public areas
- Minor household maintenance (unstopping toilets, changing light bulbs, painting, moving furniture, changing sink faucets, etc.)
- Hard surface floor cleaning and spot cleaning carpet
- Changing HVAC filters
- Ordering cleaning supplies and paper products
- Maintaining sidewalks, stairways and walkways in inclement weather
- Coordinating maintenance for other types of repairs; plumbing, lawn care, parking lot maintenance, pest control, etc.
The Missouri Catholic Conference (MCC) is seeking a Communications Director. The MCC is the public policy agency of the Catholic Church in Missouri. The MCC communications director assists with the conference’s various methods of communications, including designing and laying out two printed publications (one quarterly, one bimonthly), and assisting with producing the podcast, MCC from the Capitol. He or she is also responsible for managing the MCC’s social media accounts, website, and photography needs. This position is best suited for a creative thinker interested in promoting the mission of the MCC in an engaging, thoughtful manner. The ideal candidate is familiar with/or open to learning Facebook, Twitter, Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Google Business Suite, and Audacity. Salary commensurate with experience. Please contact mocatholic@mocatholic.org or communications@mocatholic.org for more information or to apply.
The Diocese of Jefferson City is seeking an experienced administrative assistant to support the Director of Parish Services. This individual will need to be proficient with data entry and have excellent skills with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Occasional travel to parishes within the diocese may be required with the Director (no personal car is necessary). This position is open to candidates of all faiths.
Qualified candidates will be asked to complete a skills test online. The employer offers a full range of benefits including medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability plus a matching 403b plan.
Applicants are encouraged to apply on Indeed.com!
St. Thomas More Newman Center in Columbia is seeking a Director of Music. Click here for more details and application information.
Immaculate Heart of Mary Child Development Center is seeking dedicated and passionate individuals to join our team as Early Childhood Center Staff. A successful candidate is committed to providing a safe, Christ-like environment for the children, where they are loved, safe, and encouraged to learn. As part of our center, you will play a crucial role in providing a nurturing and educational environment for young children. Your primary responsibilities will include engaging in age-appropriate activities, ensuring the safety and well-being of children, promoting their social and cognitive development, and maintaining a positive atmosphere within the center. Starting pay is $15.00 per hour. Click here for more information.
Seeking a Highly Skilled Administrative Assistant: The Administrative Assistant for the Stewardship office is responsible for assisting the Director and Associate Director in implementing the Bishop’s vision of spirituality of stewardship throughout the Diocese of Jefferson City, which covers 38 counties in central and northeastern Missouri.
- Prepares presentation materials and strategic briefings for deans and pastors
- General administrative and office management duties
- Meticulously plans, coordinates and executes events and activities
- Provides administrative support for the department
- Works closely with the Director of Stewardship and Associate Director of Stewardship as a team partner to educate parishioners on the spirituality of stewardship and convey the impact and importance of supporting their parish and sharing their gifts for the common good
- Ability to travel within the diocese (no overnight travel); fleet vehicle provided for day trips
Practicing Catholic in good standing is preferred. Bachelor’s degree is preferred. Event planning and management is desired.
We are seeking a confident, competent individual to manage the stewardship office. Please apply through our job posting on Indeed.com or send resume to hrdir@diojeffcity.org.
Holy Family Parish in Hannibal is seeking a Director of Religious Education and Youth Minister. Key responsibilities include:
- Assist the pastor in the responsibility for the Catholic faith formation for parish youth and adults
- Implements the Bishop’s confirmation preparation policy
- Organizes, schedules and oversees religious education in the parish
- Administers a formation program for catechists that leads to certification and tracks completion
- In cooperation with Diocesan Director of Religious Education and Youth Minister, orders approved textbooks, liturgy materials and other works that complement the religious education efforts of the parish
- Provides resources and programs for adult formation
A Bachelor’s degree in theology or religious education is preferred. The pastor is willing to consider either one (1) full-time candidate or possibly two (2) part-time individuals. Resumes can be sent directly to Fr. Alex Gabriel, Holy Family Parish, 218 S. Maple Avenue, Hannibal, MO 63401 or applicants can apply on Indeed.com.
Our Lady of Lourdes Interparish School Positions:
- Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church is currently accepting job applications for a Pre-K through 5th Grade Religious Education Director. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: the administration of the Religious Education Program for Pre-School through Fifth Grade, the preparation program for the First Celebration of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist, and Summer Vacation Bible School; the administration of the Safe Environment Compliance Program; collaborating with the other parish directors of faith formation programs and the Diocesan Faith Formation Office in providing faith formation opportunities for the parish. The position is 32 hours per week and includes benefits. Must be an active, practicing Catholic. Experience in parish faith formation is preferred but not required. Please send a resume to Fr. Chris Cordes at frchris@ourladyoflourdes.org if interested. Call 573-445-7915 if you have questions.
- Cafeteria Supervisor: OLLIS is looking for three adults (parents, grandparents, friends) who like children and want to make extra money. Qualifications include love of children, practicing Catholic preferred, ability to lift 50 lbs., and standing on feet for extended periods. This is a position that follows the students’ calendar. You are off when students are off. The essential duties include supervising students and assisting them with their needs during lunch, such as opening things, sweeping up the floor, and washing tables between shifts. This would be fun if you could find two other friends to join you. We would love to see a group that can help us with our ROAR expectations and makes our dining experience something students continue to enjoy. Hours are 10:30-1:30. If interested, please email Elaine Hassemer at ehassemer@ollisk8.org.
- Speech Pathologist (Full-Time): This position is to improve the speech and/or language of students identified with speech and/or language disabilities or students with speech and/or language delays, which interfere with the child’s ability to derive full benefit from the educational program. QUALIFICATIONS — Minimum: Advanced degree in Speech-Language Pathology or Communication Disorders; Missouri Professional Licensure in Speech-Language Pathology, Eligible for a Speech-Language Pathology Student Services Certificate; Effective human relations and communication skills. Preferred: Previous experience as a speech-language pathologist in a school is preferred. The ideal candidate will have a professional and friendly demeanor and be an active practicing Catholic. Pay based on experience. If interested, please email Elaine Hassemer at ehassemer@ollisk8.org